...a family heritage association
Wilson County, Texas
Since 2005
Historical Markers
The Polley family left quite a legacy across the state of Texas. Many historical markers highlight places that are directly connected to the family. Because the family was prominent in the early days of Texas settlement, they had connections to many of the famous people and places that shaped Texas history.
Below you will find a listing of some of the Texas State Historical markers that commemorate these people and places.
Many Polley family descendents went on to do great things in other states around the country. If you are aware of any historical markers in other places, please let us know, as we would love to include them in the list.
Polley Cemetery
FM 539, Wilson County, Texas
The final resting place for several Polley family members, including Joseph Henry and Mary Bailey Polley.
Whitehall (Polley Mansion)
FM 539, Wilson County, Texas
The home built by Joseph Henry Polley in what is now Wilson County, Texas. The marker is located on the home by the front door. This is on private property.
James Briton "Brit" Bailey
Highway 35, Bailey's Prairie, Texas
A personal marker for "Brit" Bailey, father of Mary Augusta Bailey Polley, and one of the first Old 300 settlers to arrive in Texas. The marker has moved from its original location to just outside the Munson family cemetery.
"Brit" Bailey Plantation
Highway 35, Bailey's Prairie, Texas
A property marker for Brit Bailey's plantation. He moved his family to the area in 1818, and officially recieved legal title to the land in July of 1824 within Stephen F. Austin's colony. The marker has moved from its original location to just outside the Munson family cemetery.
Fort Bend
Mirabeau B. Lamar Homestead Park, Richmond, Texas
A marker designating the site of the first structure built in Austin's Colony on the Brazos River (a fort at the bend in the river, Fort Bend). According to the marker, five men, including Joseph Henry Polley, stayed behind to build a fort and plant a crop while Stephen F. Austin went back to New Orleans to gather settlers and supplies.
Jean Lefitte
Harborside Drive, Galveston, Texas
A property marker for the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte, who oversaw Galveston Island (which he called Campeche) at the time that Brit Bailey and his family crossed the island on their way to stake their claim at Bailey's Prairie. Bailey's Light, by Josephine Golson, recounts that the family saw the famous "Red House", or Maison Rouge.
San Felipe de Austin
FM 1458, San Felipe, Texas
A town marker for Stephen F. Austin's colonial town where Joseph H. and Mary Polley lived for a couple of years after their marriage in 1826. The couple had a home on the north side of the town, fronting the river. They would move back to Brazoria after the birth of their first child.
Bell's Landing
Austin Street, East Columbia, Texas
Bell's Landing was a trading port on the Brazos River in the town of East Columbia, founded by Josiah Bell (hence Bell's Landing). The Polleys moved from San Felipe to the east side of the Brazos river, directly across from East Columbia (this is the southern tip of Brit Bailey's land on the east side of the river). Joseph and Mary Polley took in borders at their home and Mary's sister Elizabeth's second husband, David Milburn, was a prominent merchant in East Columbia.
Battle of Jones Creek
Highway 36, Jones Creek, Texas
A marker remembering a battle between Karankawa Indians and local settlers in 1824. Goods were stolen from a storehouse, and the settlers encountered the thieves at Jones Creek. Brit Bailey and his eldest son Phelps fought in the skirmish, and Phelps was amoung the three settlers killed in the battle.
Velasco
Monument Avenue, Surfside, Texas
A marker remembering the battle between Texian settlers and Mexican forces in June of 1832. Brit Bailey and his son Smith both fought in the battle, which was victorious for the Texians and became one of the sparks for the Texas Revolution. Unrelated to the battle, but of note, Brit Bailey would die roughly six months later in December of 1832.
The First Capitol of the Republic of Texas
West Columbia, Texas
This replica building is of the first Capitol of the Republic of Texas in use for only one year. The original building was destroyed in the 1900 hurricane. Mary Bailey Polley famously made the candles for the meetings held at this capitol building. Her candle mold is in collection storage at the Witte Museum in San Antonio, Texas.
Sutherland Springs School Site
Second Street, Sutherland Springs, Texas
As this marker says, Joseph H. Polley, along with Dr. John Sutherland were instrumental in establishing a school in the growing community of Sutherland Springs in the 1850's.
Sutherland Springs Cemetery
FM 539, Sutherland Springs, Texas
Several Polley family members are buried in this cemetery, including Polley daughters Mary Augusta (with husband Walker Keith Baylor), and Susan Rebecca (with husband J. D. Brooks).
La Vernia
Chihuahua Street, La Vernia, Texas
The town of La Vernia, Texas was established by Claiborne Rector in 1847. Claiborne Rector was the 3rd husband of Elizabeth Bailey, sister of Mary Bailey Polley. He moved west to the Cibolo Creek area in the same year that the Polley family moved. Elizabeth died earlier that year five months after giving birth to her last child.
Concrete Cemetery
FM 775, La Vernia, Texas
Members of several prominent area families are buried in this cemetery, including the Houstons, parents of Polley son-in-law David Hannah Houston; Tiners, parents and family of Polley grandson-in-law Jesse Lane Tiner; and Claiborne Rector, brother-in-law of Mary Bailey Polley.
Camino Real de San Saba
West Hosack Street, Boerne, Texas
One of the old Spanish roads leaving San Antonio to the west. John James, Polley son-in-law, was one of the surveyors along this road, which led to the settlement of the Texas Hill Country.
Brahan Lodge
Bluebonnet Drive, La Vernia, Texas
Masonic Lodge founded in La Vernia, Texas, with many prominent local members, including two Polley sons-in-law, Connally F. Henderson and Dr. David H. Houston.
Camp Clark C. S. A.
FM 621, Staples, Texas
Several Polley family members were enlisted in Hood's Texas Brigade in the Civil War. Joseph Benjamin Polley, along with Polley son-in-law Connally F. Henderson and his brother, served in the 4th Infantry, which mustered at Camp Clark in Guadalupe County.
Sebastopol
North Erkel Avenue, Seguin, Texas
Childhood home of Mattie LeGette, Polley daughter-in-law.